The world-renowned Chicago Children’s Choir is returning to Bethel United Church of Christ in Elmhurst to perform “A Christmas Celebration” concert on Saturday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. This exclusive concert, featuring beloved holiday favorites and selections from around the world, will be the only holiday concert performed this year in the Chicago suburbs by the Voice of Chicago, Chicago Children’s Choir’s premier performance group.
“Welcoming the Chicago Children’s Choir Concert to Bethel is a joy. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the season than hearing these talented children sing Christmas favorites in our sanctuary,” said Bethel’s Senior Pastor Gretchen Sylvester.
Chicago Children’s Choir is a multiracial, multicultural choral music education organization, shaping the future by making a difference in the lives of 3,500 children and youth through musical excellence. Chicago Children’s Choir conducts in-school programs in 73 Chicago schools, providing interactive arts instruction to students throughout the city.
The top 100 high school singers from all parts of the city join the Voice of Chicago which tours nationally and internationally. They enthrall audiences with an impressive collection of music from all corners of the world.
“We are honored that Bethel United Church of Christ continues to welcome us for our one-of-a-kind Christmas Celebration performance. Performing as part of the Music@Bethel series in Bethel’s intimate setting is a richly rewarding experience for our singers, and they are excited to present a program that captures the spirit of the holidays around the world,” said Judy Hanson, Associate Director, Chicago Children’s Choir.
The Music@Bethel Concert series is celebrating its 16th season under the direction of world-class, award-winning pianist Jeffrey Panko, Minister of Music and Artistic Director of the Music@Bethel Concert Series. “Last year’s Chicago Children’s Choir’s concert was so inspiring, for Christmas gifts I gave 15 family members—ranging in age from 5 to 70—tickets to the show. Everyone raved about the performance,” exclaimed Panko.
For sixteen years, Panko has been producing and performing in classical, jazz and world-music events for the Music@Bethel Concert Series. The intimate setting has played host to some of the world’s most accomplished classical musicians and singers from the Chicago area.
Upcoming performances for the Music@Bethel Concert Series include “Paris Through the Centuries,” by Picosa on Sunday, February 22nd, 2015 at 3 p.m., and by popular demand, Guitarra Azul will be returning on Saturday, April 11th, 2015, at 7 p.m.
The Chicago Children’s Choir concert is on Saturday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. at Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 East St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. Tickets are available online through www.musicatbethel.com or by calling 630-279-4040. Ticket prices range from $15 to $35. Parking is free and the church is handicapped-accessible.